Lack of Focus Fire (the statistic) is the biggest weakness of SMG teams, and why Sturmpios can seem weak sauce. FF is ALSO why Infantry Sections are so strong and were nerfed.
Spreading damage across 6 models, I could see Combat Engineers having issues.
Just tested on test map, Vet 3 w/ G43s vs Vet 3 at minimum range Combat Engineers win with 1/3 to 1/2 health. At 0 vet, its much closer but Pfusies have the edge. This does NOT include Assault Engineers needing to close the gap. AEs have the normal issue of CQC units, but lacks the tools needed to ACTUALLY close the distance, resulting in Assault Officer Syndrome. Seems good situationally, but they can't actually make that situation.
AO is getting serious juice this patch exactly because of this syndrome.
I would suggest a smoke grenade, or swap the M10 for the Pershing. Really the Pershing would fix all these issues, as Assault Engineers now have something to shove their incredible repairs into. And its called Armor Company...
Swapping between combat engine and assault engine was very confusing at first, I was gunna call BS that CE beat fussies at any range let alone point blank then I clued in.
Also I don't like smoke on ass engies, they DO get a flamer. They are supposed to fill a role similar to sturms, not replace rifles. They may lose in combat to fussies, but are much better at both laying mines and repairs than fussies are. They are opposite ends of the unit spectrum, all that is in common is timing and costs.